Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Vernon, France

Situated between Paris and Rouen lies the charming town of Vernon along the Seine. Its quaint streets are lined with half-timbered houses, scenic châteaux, and a variety of attractions that might seem familiar.

This familiarity arises from the fact that the town inspired renowned artist Claude Monet, who lived nearby, alongside his colleague Pierre Bonnard. Monet depicted numerous local landmarks, and the museum within one of Vernon’s “hôtels particuliers” showcases two of his notable works.

In Vernon, visitors can use Impressionism as a central theme for their activities: exploring galleries, embarking on river tours, and participating in workshops that trace Monet’s artistic journey.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Vernon:

1. Vernon’s Streets

Vernon may be small, lacking in monumental landmarks, yet it features an intricate network of ancient streets adorned with timber-framed homes dating from the 1100s to the 1600s.

The oldest structures are situated around the collegiate church, warranting a leisurely pace to fully appreciate their historical significance.

The more modern residential areas, while still historic, exhibit a greater degree of grandeur, with well-defined, straight avenues such as Victor Hugo and l’Ardèche, lined with lime trees.

For those wishing to take in views of the Seine, Quai Garnuchot is a tranquil pathway with a grassy bank along the water’s edge.

2. Le Vieux-Moulin and Château des Tourelles

The Old Mill is a 14th-century timber building perched on two piers, remnants of a medieval bridge that once linked Vernon to Vernonet.

This picturesque structure, with the Seine flowing in the background, is a popular subject for postcards produced in Normandy.

The Château des Tourelles, located just up the bank, is equally striking.

Built in the 1200s and remarkably preserved over the past 800 years, this keep features four 20-meter tall towers, closely clustered together and topped with conical roofs.

3. Collégiale Notre-Dame de Vernon

The construction of this church commenced in the 1000s, though completion took several centuries.

As a result, the architecture reflects a blend of Romanesque and Gothic designs from various periods.

The oldest components include the choir and transept from the late 1000s, while the ambulatory encompassing the chancel dates back to the 1100s, making it one of Normandy’s oldest structures.

The magnificent rose window exhibits flamboyant Gothic style from the 14th century, and just below it lies the church’s organ, crafted in the 1600s.

Monet depicted this landmark on six occasions between 1883 and 1884.

4. Maison du Temps Jadis

As one of the town’s most picturesque buildings, the corbelled Maison du Temps Jadis serves as the Tourist Office for the Eure department.

Situated adjacent to the church, it should be your first stop upon arriving in Vernon, providing a map highlighting all significant landmarks in the vicinity.

This historic house, dating back to the 14th century and rising four stories, is worthy of admiration and photography.

The charming asymmetrical timber framing and leaded windows are distinctive features that enhance its character.

Visitors can also acquire tickets for Monet’s residence here, allowing for reduced waiting time.

5. Château de Bizy

This grand neoclassical estate is particularly intriguing, as it remains a private residence. Consequently, tours of the interior are only possible through guided visits offered in French, though an informational booklet is available for English-speaking guests.

Tour participants learn about the aristocratic proprietors and notable French monarchs, such as Henry IV and Louis XV, who have graced this estate. The lavish interior features exquisite furnishings, a gilded harp and harpsichord in the “Grand Salon,” along with an array of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and period decor.

Guests can freely stroll through the gardens, encompassing a linden tree-lined promenade and elegant fountains, one of which cascades down the slope.

6. Tour des Archives

The last remnant of Vernon’s château is the circular former keep, which remains remarkably well-preserved considering it was erected in 1123 under Henry Beauclerc, the youngest son of William the Conqueror.

This impressive 22-meter tall tower closely resembles the Joan of Arc Tower, constructed around the same era in Rouen, approximately 60 kilometers to the north.

While interior access is limited, this notable historical structure links to Vernon’s ancient defensive walls.

7. Musée Alphonse-Georges-Poulain

This museum resides within a picturesque townhouse that once belonged to the Le Moine de Bellisle family, who occupied the premises from the 1400s to the 1700s.

Featuring a blend of historical artifacts from around Vernon, taxidermy exhibits, a model of the former château, and a drawing cabinet with vintage graphic art and illustrations, this museum offers visitors a unique experience.

What sets the museum apart is its impressive collection of Impressionist art, featuring two paintings by Monet alongside works from members of the avant-garde group “Les Nabis,” including Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, and Félix Vallotton.

8. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens

Located just a ten-minute journey across the Seine, this is the residence where Claude Monet lived for over forty years until his passing in 1926. Sitting beside the lily pond in his garden can be a profound experience, as you contemplate the scene that inspired an unprecedented style of painting.

Visitors can explore his house, virtually unaltered for over 90 years, and wander through the gardens, which burst with vibrant colors throughout the autumn months.

Notably, the Japanese bridge in the Water Garden remains intact, and encountering his willow tree, wisteria, and peonies, as they existed during Monet’s lifetime, evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.

9. La Roche-Guyon

A brief 15-minute journey upriver from Vernon leads to a quaint village that developed around an elegant château, positioned beneath an imposing medieval tower carved from a chalk cliff perched above the Seine.

Visitors can explore the château, primarily built in the 1700s, along with the towering medieval structure above it, which is connected by an extraordinary spiral staircase that winds through the chalk.

Upon reaching the cliff-top, the breathtaking view encompasses the village and the meandering Seine within the Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français.

Historically, the castle regulated the river traffic, and numerous villagers lived in dwellings carved from the chalk, a practice that continued until the 20th century.

10. Domaine de Villarceaux

Designated as one of the “Notable Gardens of France,” the expansive grounds of Domaine de Villarceaux span 70 hectares, linked to a manor house from the 1500s and a château from the 1700s.

The illustrious former resident of Villarceaux was Françoise d’Aubigné, the second wife of Louis XIV.

Guided tours of these estates are available by appointment and feature an array of paintings and period furniture dating to the 1700s.

However, the water gardens are accessible to the public from spring to autumn, presenting a stunning display.

Here, intricately designed box hedges frame a scenic network of water features, including fountains, formal ponds, canals, and a large lake.

Additionally, the gardens incorporate a medieval-style medicinal herb garden.

11. Évreux

The literary figure of the 17th century, Madame de Sévigné, referred to Évreux as “la Cité Jolie” (the pretty city). Despite suffering damage during the war, it remains an appealing destination for several hours of sightseeing.

Nestled in the valley of the River Iton, the most enjoyable walks along the river showcase the city’s main attractions.

Dating back to the 1400s, the belfry, situated by the river, is the only surviving bell tower from that era in Normandy.

The Episcopal city merges the stunning 15th-century Gothic cathedral with the Bishop’s palace that houses a museum dedicated to the history of Évreux.

The cathedral’s window traceries are remarkable, and visitors must appreciate the walnut pulpit carved by a monk in 1675.

12. Rouen

A mere 45-minute trip leads to Rouen, a city rich in cultural heritage.

Among the primary monuments to explore is the cathedral, noted for its delicate facade and the renowned butter tower.

Following in Monet’s footsteps, he painted the cathedral’s portal multiple times in 1894. After admiring the Renaissance stained-glass windows and the burial sites of Rollo, Normandy’s first ruler, along with Richard the Lionheart, visitors can meander through the charming streets surrounding the cathedral.

Rue du Petit Mouton is a delightful lane with 14th-century timber-framed houses that create a striking visual effect.

A visit to Rouen would be incomplete without viewing the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses works by Monet, Caravaggio, Renoir, and Van Dyck.

13. Lyons-la-Forêt

A scenic 40-minute drive north through lush countryside leads to the idyllic village of Lyons-la-Forêt.

Like La Roche-Guyon, it is recognized as one of France’s “most beautiful villages,” characterized by a collection of timber-framed houses surrounding a covered market established in the 1600s.

Although small in size, the village showcases remarkable preservation efforts, encouraging visitors to explore every corner.

Antique shops, crêperies, and charming cafés invite guests to pause and enjoy their surroundings.

14. Le Bois des Aigles

Spanning five hectares of woodland, Le Bois des Aigles is a bird sanctuary that appeals to families and those with an interest in raptors.

As you stroll along the trails, you may encounter various species, including kites, falcons, Chilean blue eagles, snowy owls, and barn owls.

A visit typically lasts just over an hour, and it is advisable to plan your trip around the raptor presentation at 11:30 or the falconry display at 15:30.

15. Chapelle Royale de Dreux

Located just an hour south of Vernon, this site serves as the family necropolis for the Royal House of Orléans.

Historically, in the absence of a direct heir to the French throne, a member of this family would ascend to power.

The chapel hosts the remains of 75 family members, including Henri, Count of Paris, who claimed the French throne from 1940 until his passing in 1999. The 17th-century chapel underwent enhancements in 1816 by Louis Philippe I and features impressive tombs adorned with intricate sculpture, alongside a stunning stained glass window within its dome.

Visitors during the low season should verify opening hours, as the chapel typically closes on weekends during winter.